Here is a brief description of the Awards GAHPERD presents with a link to more information, minimum criteria for nominees, and instructions regarding submitting a nomination.
The purpose of the Kim Thompson Honor Award is to recognize current members whose service to the State Association has been exemplary, sustaining and far-reaching. Individuals are chosen on the basis of their record of service in leadership positions within the Association, their contributions to their profession and to professionals, and willingness to take on responsibilities to further the work of the Association. The Honor Award is the highest award presented by GAHPERD.







​GAHPERD's Past Award Winners!
GAHPERD awards Teachers of the Year in multiple categories.  Some TOY recipients move on to compete at the Southern District and National levels.  Those TOYs must belong to SHAPE America in order to be considered.  Recipients receive additional benefits from US Games and OPEN!
The purpose of the College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award is to recognize the outstanding performance of physical educators at the college/university level.  While the main purpose of this award is to recognize exemplary teaching, other factors such as scholarship, professional contributions, service, student advisement and mentoring that are an integral part of a professor’s responsibilities, shall be taken into account.

The purpose of the W. Clyde Partin Distinguished Service Award is to recognize individuals or organizations that are not a member of our profession or a part of the structure of GAHPERD.
The purpose of the Robert W. Moore Professional Recognition Award is to honor a professional member of GAHPERD who exemplifies the leadership qualities demonstrated by Robert W. Moore during his professional life in Georgia. He dedicated his life to the improvement of the health and well-being, and the physical activity of children, youth and adults. Robert W. Moore provided outstanding leadership in the areas of health and physical education at the state, district and national levels for over thirty years, and served as a positive role model for innumerable students, teachers, parents and professional colleagues.
The purpose of the Athletic Director of the Year Award is to recognize and reward secondary school athletic directors who exemplify the highest standards of their profession, and who, through their influence, have made significant contributions to their schools and communities.

The purpose of the Pathfinder Award is to honor members who have been or are pathfinders in advocating, recruiting, and enhancing opportunities for girls and women in sport and sport leadership.
The purpose of the Young Scholar Award is to recognize and encourage young professionals to participate in GAHPERD and to reward and encourage scholarship among our young members. One of GAHPERD’s goals is to provide an opportunity for the professional growth and recognition of young professionals and thereby foster future leadership opportunities in the field.
The Advocate of the Year Award is designed to recognize and reward school/college administrators or community leaders (i.e. principals, assistant principals, legislators, school board members, department curriculum directors, superintendents, deans, etc.) who promote, support and advocate for health, physical education, recreation and/or dance programs in school settings.
The purpose of the Excellence in Physical Education Award is to recognize excellence in Georgia public education’s major curriculum and program areas. Nominees should include schools that have conducted exemplary physical education programs. The competition is for planned instructional programs that were conducted in the immediate past academic year.
The purpose of the Intramural Director of the Year Award is to recognize and reward one who directs an exemplary intramural program at any school level (elementary, middle school, secondary or college/university).
The purpose of the Outstanding Major’s Club Award is to recognize and reward student majors’ clubs at colleges and universities who have demonstrated a commitment to the profession with club membership, service to the college or university and service to the community.
The purpose of the Recreation Specialist of the Year Award is to recognize professionals for their outstanding efforts, commitment and accomplishments in the area of physical activity and recreation. Nominees should be individuals who have advanced and promoted the role of health, physical education, recreation and dance through their work.